I am currently taking angiotensin II receptor blocker (losartan), beta-blocker (atenolol), and?

Question

aspirin to control my blood pressure. My question is about the side effects because lately I have noticed some itchy rashes in my body. Is it caused by taking losartan and atenolol at the same time? What are the other side effects of taking both medicines at the same time? I am now in the process of contacting my doctor through my wife but since I am working in a remote area, it might take some time before I get back an answer. Please help. Thanks.

Answer 1

The itchy rash could be related to your medication. Losartan would be my first bet. Sometimes there is an interaction with Angiotension blockers and beta blockers. A phone call to your pharmacist should get you an answer to this one but usually, they catch these interactions before they even fill the prescription. Every body reacts differently to medications. New onset of itchy rash warrants a look at the medications first. Until you stop the medication (with your doctor's approval) you may not be able to get rid of the rash and it may get worse. Hopefully, your wife can get an answer from your doctor soon with advice on how to proceed.

Answer 2

The itchiness is probably erticaria which is quite common with a lot of drugs. However, if the itchy areas affect the face and throat and there is significant swelling this is a potentially serious condition called angio-neurotic oedeama and you should seek emergancy aid.

Aspirin is there to reduce the risk of a Stroke or MI not to reduce blood pressure. Infact Aspirin blocks an enzyme called cyclo-oxygenase in the arachadonic pathway ultimately reducing some of the vasodilatory prostaglanins, slighly counteracting the antihypertensive effects of the other 2 drugs.

The other issue is that the use of drugs that work via the RAA (Renin Aldosterone Angiotensin) system are rarely prescribed with a beta blocker. Partly because beta blockers also work in part via the RAA system so theoretically you don't get the full effect from the second therapy and partly because atenalol lowers the good lipid fraction HDL. Unless you have concomittant angina a thiazide diuretic or Calcium Channel Blocker would be a better choice of add in to the A2 Receptor blocker.

Answer 3

Losartan and Atenolol can be taken togather, they dont have interaction side effects, Losartan is very best drug for hypertension it also helps and protects kidneys from damage due to diabetes. It is used to lower the risk of strokes due to enlarge heart. Losarton relaxes blood vessals and widen them
It interacts with following drugs.
ACE INHIBITORS; ARB'S/SELECTED NSAIDS
ACE INHIBITORS; ARB'S/POTASSIUM SPARING DIURETICS
ACE INHIBITORS; ARB'S/POTASSIUM PREPARATIONS
ACE INHIBITORS; ARB'S/LITHIUM
ACE INHIBITORS; ANGIOTENSIN II RECEPTOR ANTAGONISTS/LOOP
ACE INHIBITORS; ARB'S/DROSPIRENONE
The reason for rashes is something else.